3D non-volatile memory device and method for fabricating the same

ABSTRACT

A non-volatile memory device having a string of a plurality of memory cells that are serially coupled, wherein the string of memory cells includes a plurality of second channels of a pillar type, a first channel coupling lower end portions of the plurality of the second channels with each other, and a plurality of control gate electrodes surrounding the plurality of the second channels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority of Korean Patent Application No.10-2009-0086580, filed on Sep. 14, 2009, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a semiconductormemory device and a fabrication method thereof, and more particularly,to a non-volatile memory device having a three-dimensional (3D)structure, and a method for fabricating the non-volatile memory device.

A non-volatile memory device is a memory device which stores data evenif power supply is cut off. As the integration degree of atwo-dimensional memory device, which is fabricated in the form of layersover a silicon substrate, is reaching limits, a non-volatile memorydevice having a 3D structure in which memory cells are stackedvertically from a silicon substrate have been developed.

Hereafter, a structure of a conventional 3D non-volatile memory deviceand related concerns will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a conventional3D non-volatile memory device having vertical channels, and afabrication method thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of first inter-layer dielectric layers11 and a first gate electrode 12 are formed over a substrate 10 having asource region defined therein, and a trench is formed to expose thesurface of the substrate 10 by etching the first inter-layer dielectriclayers 11 and the first gate electrode 12. Subsequently, after a firstgate insulation layer 13 is formed on the internal walls of the trench,a channel CH is formed by filling the trench with a channel-forminglayer. As a result, a lower select transistor LST is formed.

Subsequently, a plurality of second inter-layer dielectric layers 14 anda plurality of second gate electrode 15 are formed over the substratestructure where the lower select transistor LST is formed. Here, thenumber of the stacked second inter-layer dielectric layers 14 and thenumber of the stacked second gate electrode 15 are decided based on thenumber of memory cells to be stacked.

Subsequently, the plurality of the second inter-layer dielectric layers14 and the plurality of the second gate electrode 15 are etched to forma trench that exposes a channel CH of the lower select transistor (LST).Subsequently, a charge blocking layer, a charge trapping layer, and atunnel insulation layer (see reference numeral ‘16’) are sequentiallyformed on the internal walls of the trench. As a result, a plurality ofmemory cells MC are formed.

Subsequently, a plurality of third inter-layer dielectric layers 17 anda third gate electrode 18 are formed over the plurality of the memorycells MC, and they are etched to form a trench that exposes a channel ofa memory cell MC. Subsequently, a second gate insulation layer 19 isformed on the internal walls of the trench, and a channel CH is formedby filling the trench with a channel-forming layer. As a result, anupper select transistor (UST) is formed.

Here, the plurality of the memory cells MC are serially connectedbetween the lower select transistor (LST) and the upper selecttransistor (UST) to form one string.

According to the above described conventional methods, the degree ofintegration may be improved over a conventional flat non-volatile memorydevice by arranging strings vertically from the substrate 10. When thestrings are arranged vertically, the number of stacked memory cells maybe increased to enhance the degree of integration even more, but such anincrease in the number of stacked memory cells is becoming moredifficult to achieve.

Further, according to the above described conventional methods, after alower select transistor (LST) is formed, memory cells and an upperselect transistor (UST) are sequentially formed. Thus, three steps areperformed to form a string. Such steps complicate the fabricationprocess and increase production costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention, which is devised to resolve theabove problem, is directed to a non-volatile memory device of athree-dimensional (3D) structure having a U-shaped channel, and a methodfor fabricating the non-volatile memory device.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Anon-volatile memory device having a pillar type channel comprising:substrate; a plurality of second channels of a pillar type formed overthe substrate; a first channel formed in the substrate and coupled lowerend portions of the plurality of the second channels with each other;and a plurality of control gate electrodes and a plurality of interlayerinsulating layers stacked surrounding sidewalls of the plurality of thesecond channels.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, A method of fabricating a non-volatile memory device having apillar type channel, comprising: forming a first trench by etching asubstrate; forming a first channel by filling a first channel materialin the first trench; stacking a plurality of first material layers and aplurality of second material layers over the substrate filled with thefirst channel; forming a plurality of second trenches by etching theplurality of the first material layers and the plurality of the secondmaterial layer that expose the first channel; and forming a plurality ofsecond channels by filling a second channel material in the plurality ofthe second trenches and coupled lower end portions of the plurality ofthe second channels with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of aconventional 3D non-volatile memory device having vertical channels, anda fabrication method thereof.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of athree-dimensional (3D) non-volatile memory device in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A to 3E are cross-sectional views illustrating a method forfabricating the 3D non-volatile memory device in accordance with a firstexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method forfabricating the 3D non-volatile memory device in accordance with asecond exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described belowin more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The presentinvention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention tothose skilled in the art. Throughout the disclosure, like referencenumerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures andembodiments of the present invention.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances,proportions may have been exaggerated in order to clearly illustratefeatures of the embodiments. When a first layer is referred to as being“on” a second layer or “on” a substrate, it not only refers to a casewhere the first layer is formed directly on the second layer or thesubstrate but also a case where a third layer exists between the firstlayer and the second layer or the substrate.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of athree-dimensional (3D) non-volatile memory device in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Herein, layers notimportant for illustrating the invention are omitted.

As shown in the drawings, the 3D non-volatile memory device according tothe exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a pluralityof memory cells MC stacked along a U-shaped channel, and a first selecttransistor ST1 and a second select transistor ST2 formed over theplurality of the memory cells MC which are stacked along the U-shapedchannel.

Also, the 3D non-volatile memory device further includes a bit line BLand a source formed over the first select transistor ST1 and the secondselect transistor ST2, respectively. In other words, the bit line BL andthe source are provided over the two upper select transistors ST1 andST2 which constitute one string.

A plurality of inter-layer dielectric layers 21 and a plurality ofcontrol gate electrodes 22 are stacked over a substrate 20, and aU-shaped channel is buried in the inside of the stack of the inter-layerdielectric layers 21 and the control gate electrodes 22. The U-shapedchannel includes main channels M_CH extended from the substrate 20 in avertical direction and a sub-channel SCH formed in the lower portions ofthe main channels M_CH and coupling the adjacent main channels M_CH. Inother words, the U-shaped channel is formed by using the sub-channelS_CH buried in the inside of the substrate 20 to couple at least twomain channels M_CH which are extended from the substrate 20 with eachother. The main channels M_CH have a shape of pillars which penetratethe inter-layer dielectric layers 21 and the control gate electrodes 22.The control gate electrodes 22 serve as word lines. The control gateelectrodes 22 between the main channels M_CH are isolated, and anisolation insulation layer 23 is formed between the isolated controlgate electrodes 22. Among the plurality of the control gate electrodes22, the uppermost control gate electrode 22 becomes a select gateelectrode of the select transistors ST1 and ST2. The upper end portionsof the main channels M_CH are extended to penetrate the uppermostcontrol gate electrode 22, which is the select gate electrode.

As described in the above, a string formed in a U shape may be formed bystacking a plurality of memory cells MC along the U-shaped channel,which includes the main channels M_CH and the sub-channel S_CH, andforming a select transistor over the plurality of the memory cells MC.The string has a structure that the plurality of the memory cells areserially coupled by the U-shaped channel, which includes the mainchannels M_CH and the sub-channel S_CH. When a string is formed in a Ushape, the number of the memory cells MC included in a string may beincreased by at least two times compared with the number of memory cellsMC in a semiconductor memory device where strings are shaped as straightlines.

Also, since the memory cells MC are stacked along the U-shaped channeland the select transistors ST1 and ST2 are formed over the stack of thememory cells MC, the fabrication process may be simplified. Here, theselect transistors ST1 and ST2 are formed at one time according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, thefabrication process is simplified.

Moreover, since the select transistors ST1 and ST2 are formed over theplurality of the memory cells MC which are stacked along the U-shapedchannel, a junction may be formed in the upper select transistors ST1and ST2. Therefore, a non-volatile memory device having a 3D structurewhich operates in an enhanced mode may be formed, and the performance ofthe 3D non-volatile memory device may be improved.

FIGS. 3A to 3E are cross-sectional views describing a method forfabricating the 3D non-volatile memory device in accordance with a firstexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a first trench is formed by etching a substrate30. The first trench is filled with a sub-channel. Here, the firsttrench may be formed to have the same width in the upper portion and thelower portion or to have a wide width in the upper portion and a narrowwidth in the lower portion. For example, the first trench may include afirst sub-trench T1 and a second sub-trench T2.

For example, after a first sub-trench T1 having a first width W1 isformed by etching the substrate 30, a second sub-trench T2 having asecond width W2 which is narrower than the first width W1 of the firstsub-trench T1 may be formed by etching a portion of the bottom of thefirst sub-trench T1. According to another example, after the secondsub-trench T2 having the second width W2 is formed, the first sub-trenchT1 having the first width W1 may be formed by increasing the width ofthe upper portion of the second sub-trench T2 through an isotropic etchprocess. Through the process, the first trench including the firstsub-trench T1 and the second sub-trench T2 is formed.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a bottom gate electrode 31 is formed by fillingthe second sub-trench T2 with a first conductive layer. A back gateinsulation layer 32 is formed over the substrate structure with thebottom gate electrode 31. Subsequently, a sub-channel S_CH is formed byfilling a channel layer in the inside of the first sub-trench T1 wherethe back gate insulation layer 32 is formed. Here, the bottom gateelectrode 31 is formed to have a narrower width than the width of thesub-channel S_CH. The bottom gate electrode 31 includes a polysiliconlayer. The sub-channel S_CH includes polysilicon layer.

As a result, a bottom transistor and the sub-channel S_CH are formed.The bottom transistor is a sort of a pass gate and it controls on/off ofthe sub-channel S_CH. Here, when the sub-channel S_CH is controlled tobe turned on/off by applying a bias voltage to the bottom gate electrode31 in the lower portion of the sub-channel S_CH, the substrate 30 may bedamaged by the bias applied to the bottom gate electrode 31. Thus, itmay be desirable to use a glass substrate or a plastic substrate as thesubstrate 30. The bottom transistor includes the sub-channel S_CH andthe bottom gate electrode 31. The bottom gate electrode 31 may be alsoreferred to as a back gate electrode. In this case, the bottomtransistor may be referred to as a back gate transistor.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the sub-channel S_CH may beformed by filling only the channel layer without forming the bottom gateelectrode 31.

Subsequently, protective layers for protecting the sub-channel S_CH frombeing damaged during a subsequent process are formed over thesub-channel S_CH. The protective layers include a first etch stop layer33A, a second etch stop layer 33B, and a buffer layer 34.

For example, when a subsequent etch process for forming a trench forisolating a word line is performed, the first and second etch stoplayers 33A and 33B may be formed over the sub-channel S_CH to protectthe sub-channel S_CH from being damaged. Also, to prevent a punchbetween memory cells MC which will be formed in a subsequent process andthe sub-channel S_CH, the buffer layer 34 may be formed in a sufficientthickness. The buffer layer 34 includes an oxide layer.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second etchstop layers 33A and 33B may be formed in the double layers in the upperand lower portions of the buffer layer 34 by sequentially forming thefirst etch stop layer 33A and the buffer layer 34 over the substrate 30with the sub-channel S_CH formed therein and additionally forming thesecond etch stop layer 33B over the buffer layer 34. The first andsecond etch stop layers 33A and 33B include nitride layers, and thebuffer layer 34 includes an oxide layer.

Referring to FIG. 3C, a plurality of first material layers 35 and aplurality of second material layers 36 may be alternately formed overthe substrate 30 with the sub-channel S_CH.

Here, since the plurality of the first material layers 35 and theplurality of the second material layers 36 are used to form a pluralityof memory cells, they may be formed of diverse materials according to amethod for forming the memory cells. In one exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, a case where the first material layers 35 areinter-layer dielectric layers and the second material layers 36 aresecond conductive layers is described. Here, the second conductivelayers become control gate electrodes or word lines. The secondconductive layers include polysilicon layers or metallic layers.

Here, the inter-layer dielectric layers are isolation layers forisolating stacked memory cells one from another, and the number of thesecond conductive layers that are stacked may equal the number of thememory cells to be stacked.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, aninter-layer dielectric layer does not need to be formed in the lowerportion of the conductive layer for forming a word line and for beingdeposited over the first and second etch stop layers 33A and 33B or thebuffer layer 34, which are formed over the substrate 30.

Subsequently, the plurality of the first material layers 35 and theplurality of the second material layers 36 are etched to expose thesurface of each second material layer 36. For example, the plurality ofthe first material layers 35 and the plurality of the second materiallayers 36 may be patterned in such a manner that the ends of theplurality of the first material layers 35 and the plurality of thesecond material layers 36 form a stair-like structure. The process offorming the stair-like structure is referred to as a slimming process.

Referring to FIG. 3D, a plurality of second trenches which expose thesurface of the sub-channel S_CH in at least two spots are formed byetching the plurality of the first material layers 35 and the pluralityof the second material layers 36. The plurality of the second trenchesare to be filled with main channels subsequently.

Subsequently, a charge blocking layer, a charge capturing layer, and atunnel insulation layer (not shown) are sequentially formed on theinternal wall of the second trenches.

Here, the charge blocking layer prevents charges from penetratingthrough the charge capturing layer and leaking to a word line. Thecharge capturing layer is used as a substantial data storage, and thecharge capturing layer is divided into a charge storage layer whichstores charges in a conductive band and a charge trapping layer whichtraps charges in a deep potential trap site. The tunnel insulation layeris provided as an energy barrier against the tunneling of charges.

Subsequently, a plurality of main channels M_CH coupled with thesub-channel S_CH are formed by filling a channel layer in the secondtrenches. The main channels M_CH include polysilicon layers. Through theprocess, at least two main channels M_CH are coupled with each other bya sub-channel S_CH so that a U-shaped channel including the sub-channelS_CH and the main channels M_CH is formed. Here, the main channels M_CHcoupled by the sub-channel S_CH constitute one string. As a result, aplurality of memory cells MC stacked along the U-shaped channel areformed.

Referring to FIG. 3E, select transistors ST1 and ST2 including a selectgate electrode 37 are formed over the plurality of the memory cells MC.A third conductive layer 37 and an inter-layer dielectric layer 38 areformed over the plurality of the memory cells MC to form the selecttransistors ST1 and ST2. The third conductive layer 37 includes apolysilicon layer. Subsequently, a third trench exposing a surface ofthe main channel M_CH of the memory cells MC is formed by etching theinter-layer dielectric layer 38 and the third conductive layer 37.Subsequently, a gate insulation layer (not shown) is formed on theinternal wall of the third trench, and a channel of the selecttransistors is formed by filling a channel layer in the inside of thethird trench. The channel of the select transistors is arranged so thatit is extended from the upper end portions of the main channels M_CH.

As a result, the select transistors ST1 and ST2 are formed over theplurality of the memory cells MC stacked along the U-shaped channel. Inother words, in case of the U-shaped channel, since both ends of thechannel are exposed in the uppermost portion, the two select transistorsST1 and ST2 coupled to respective ends of the channel may besimultaneously formed at one time. As a result, a string including theplurality of the memory cells MC stacked along the U-shaped channel andthe select transistors ST1 and ST2 formed over the plurality of thememory cells MC is formed.

Subsequently, a mask pattern (not shown) which exposes the space betweenthe main channels M_CH coupled by a sub-channel S_CH is formed over thesubstrate structure where the select transistors ST1 and ST2 are formed.Then, the plurality of the first material layers 35 and the plurality ofthe second material layers 36 are etched using the mask pattern as anetch barrier. Through the process, the first material layers 35 and thesecond material layers 36 between the main channels M_CH coupled by thesub-channel S_CH are etched so as to form a fourth trench. When thesecond material layers 36 are word lines, the fourth trench becomes atrench for isolating the word lines one from another. The process offorming the fourth trench is referred to as a slit process.

Subsequently, before filling an isolation insulation layer 39 in thefourth trench, the second material layers 36, which are exposed by thefourth trench, may be silicided. For example, it is desirable tosilicide the sidewalls of the second material layers 36 by filling thefourth trench with a metallic layer and performing a thermal treatment.The silicidation process is appropriate when the second material layers36 are metallic layers. Subsequently, the fourth trench is filled withthe isolation insulation layer 39. The isolation insulation layer 39includes an oxide layer. As a result, word lines of the memory cells MCformed in the same layer among the plurality of the memory cells MCconstituting a string are isolated one from another.

Alternatively, since a source and a bit line are formed over the selecttransistors ST1 and ST2 respectively through a subsequent process, theword line isolation process may not be performed. However, when the wordline isolation process is performed, the surface resistance R_(S) of aword line is decreased and the resistance of the word line may bedecreased even more by performing a silicidation process.

Subsequently, a source and a bit line BL are formed over the selecttransistors ST1 and ST2, respectively. Here, the source is formed overone of the main channels M_CH included in the U-shaped channel, and thebit line BL is formed over the other main channels M_CH. In other words,between the two select transistors ST1 and ST2 constituting one string,one is coupled with the source, and the other is coupled with the bitline BL. Therefore, a read/write operation may be performed for eachdesired page.

Here, the source may be formed to be coupled with the upper portions ofthe select transistors ST1 and ST2 of adjacent strings. In other words,adjacent strings may be formed to share the source. Also, the bit lineBL has a pattern of a plurality of lines extended in parallel, and theline patterns are coupled with the select transistors of the stringsthat are arranged in a desired direction.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views describing a method forfabricating the 3D non-volatile memory device in accordance with asecond exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a first trench for forming a sub-channel is formedby etching a substrate 40. Then, a bottom gate electrode 41 and a gateinsulation layer 42 are formed in the first trench, and then asub-channel S_CH is formed by filling a channel layer in the trench.Subsequently, a first etch stop layer 43A, a buffer layer 44, and asecond etch stop layer 43B are formed as protective layers forprotecting the sub-channel S_CH from being damaged.

Subsequently, a plurality of first material layers 45 and a plurality ofsecond material layers 46 are alternately formed over the substratestructure where the sub-channel S_CH is formed. In this exemplaryembodiment, the plurality of the first material layers 45 areinter-layer dielectric layers and the plurality of the second materiallayers 46 are sacrificial layers.

Here, the sacrificial layers 46 are used to secure space for forming atunnel insulation layer, a charge capturing layer, a charge blockinglayer, and a word line in subsequent processes. The sacrificial layers46 may be formed of a material having a great etch selectivity withrespect to the inter-layer dielectric layers. For example, when theinter-layer dielectric layers 45 are oxide layers, the sacrificiallayers 46 may be nitride layers.

Subsequently, a plurality of second trenches for forming main channelsare formed to expose the surface of the sub-channel S_CH in at least twospots by etching the plurality of the first material layers 45 and theplurality of the second material layers 46.

Subsequently, a plurality of main channels M_CH which are extended fromthe substrate 40 in the vertical direction and coupled by thesub-channel S_CH are formed by filling a channel layer in the secondtrenches.

Here, a dummy pillar (not shown) penetrating through the plurality ofthe first material layers 45 and the plurality of the second materiallayers 46 may be formed together when the main channels M_CH are formedin order to prevent remaining first material layers 45 from beingcollapsed during a subsequent process for removing the second materiallayers 46.

Referring to FIG. 4B, while the first material layers 45 remain, thesecond material layers 46 are selectively removed. Accordingly,undercuts exposing the sidewalls of the main channels M_CH at a desiredinterval are formed between the first material layers 45. Here, asdescribed before, the dummy pillar penetrating through the plurality ofthe first material layers 45 and the plurality of the second materiallayers 46 may protect the remaining first material layers 45 from beingcollapsed.

Subsequently, a tunnel insulation layer, a charge capturing layer, and acharge blocking layer (together “47”) are sequentially formed on thesidewalls of the main channels M_CH, which are exposed at thepredetermined interval. In the drawing, the tunnel insulation layer, thecharge capturing layer, and the charge blocking layer are shown as onelayer for illustration purposes.

Subsequently, a control gate electrode 48 is formed over the tunnelinsulation layer, the charge capturing layer, and the charge blockinglayer 47. In other words, the control gate electrode 48 fills theundercut and surrounds the main channels M_CH. The control gateelectrode 48 serves as a word line. When control gate electrode 48 isformed between the first material layers 45, multiple control gateelectrodes 48 are formed.

As a result, a region opened between the first material layers 45 isfilled with the tunnel insulation layer, the charge capturing layer, andthe charge blocking layer 47 and the conductive layer 48, and aplurality of memory cells MC stacked along the U-shaped channel areformed.

Referring to FIG. 4C, a third trench which exposes the surface of themain channels M_CH of the memory cells MC is formed by forming a selectgate electrode 49 and an inter-layer dielectric layer 50 over theplurality of the memory cells MC and etching the conductive line 49 forforming a select line and the inter-layer dielectric layer 50.Subsequently, a gate insulation layer (not shown) is formed on theinternal wall of the third trench and channels for select transistorsST1 and ST2 are formed by filling a channel layer in the trench. As aresult, select transistors ST1 and ST2 are formed.

Subsequently, a fourth trench is formed to isolate the control gateelectrode 48 by etching the layers between the main channels M_CHcoupled by the sub-channel S_CH, and then the fourth trench is filledwith an isolation insulation layer 51.

Subsequently, a source and a bit line BL are formed over the selecttransistors ST1 and ST2 respectively.

According to the technology of the present invention, a non-volatilememory device of a 3D structure having a U-shaped channel may befabricated by forming main channels extended from a substrate in thevertical direction and a sub-channel coupling adjacent main channels soas to form the U-shaped channel. In this way, the number of memory cellsincluded in one string may be increased by twice or more.

Also, since a plurality of memory cells are formed and a selecttransistor is formed over the plurality of the memory cells, thefabrication process may be simplified and a separate process for forminga lower select transistor and an upper select transistor may be avoided.Therefore, production costs may be reduced.

While the present invention has been described with respect to thespecific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat various changes and modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-volatile memory device having a pillar typechannel comprising: a substrate; a plurality of second channels of apillar type formed over the substrate; a first channel formed in thesubstrate and coupled lower end portions of the plurality of the secondchannels with each other; a plurality of control gate electrodes and aplurality of interlayer insulating layers stacked surrounding sidewallsof the plurality of the second channels; and a back gate electrodeformed in the substrate at a bottom surface of the first channel,wherein a width of the back gate electrode is narrower than that of thefirst channel.
 2. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a back gate insulation layer formed between the back gateelectrode and the first channel.
 3. The non-volatile memory device ofclaim 2, wherein the substrate is a glass substrate or a plasticsubstrate.
 4. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a plurality of select gate electrodes formed over auppermost interlayer insulating layer.
 5. The non-volatile memory deviceof claim 4, further comprising: a source line coupled to an upper endportion of a portion of the plurality of the second channels; a bit linecoupled to upper end portions of the remaining portion of the pluralityof the second channels.
 6. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1,further comprising: a protective layer configured between the substrateand a lowermost control gate electrode.
 7. The non-volatile memorydevice of claim 6, wherein the protection layer is stacked layer with afirst etch stop layer, a buffer layer, and a second etch stop layer. 8.The non-volatile memory device of claim 7, wherein the first and thesecond etch stop layer is a nitride layer and the buffer layer is oxidelayer.
 9. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, further comprising:a tunnel insulating layer, charge trapping or storage layer, and chargeblocking layer formed over the sidewalls of the plurality of the secondchannels.
 10. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a tunnel insulating layer, charge trapping or storage layer,and charge blocking layer formed over the sidewalls of the plurality ofsecond channels surrounding the plurality of gate electrodes.